Located on the Gianh River (Bac Gianh Ward, Quang Tri Province ), Gianh 2 Ferry Terminal was once a vital transportation route supplying the Southern battlefield during the years of resistance against the US.
With its exceptionally important strategic location, this place became a "hotbed of fire," enduring thousands of fierce bombing raids, marking the immense sacrifices and indomitable will of our army and people.
After more than half a century, the land of yesteryear has taken on a new appearance. Gianh Ferry Terminal 2, part of the Gianh Ferry Terminal National Special Monument, has been comprehensively renovated and upgraded on an area of 2.8 hectares with many modern facilities such as: a temple, an exhibition house, a reception house, a crescent-shaped bridge, an iron ferry, and landscaped grounds.
The entire area was raised by nearly 2 meters, creating a spacious surface and overcoming the previous flooding problem.
Memories of the "fire coordinates"
Within the overall space, the temple complex is built solemnly, serving as a memorial to the heroic martyrs. The pathways connect harmoniously between the various structures. The graceful semicircular bridge spanning the lake creates an architectural focal point, while also symbolically representing the continuity between the past and the present.
The historical site's grounds are lush with many types of trees providing shade year-round. Beneath the canopy are verdant lawns and vibrant flowerbeds, meticulously cared for. Many of the tree planting locations today are the sites of former bomb craters, demonstrating the remarkable resurgence of this once heavily devastated area.
One of the highlights of the Gianh Ferry Terminal National Special Monument is the double-hulled boat, a symbol of the strategic sea transport route, which has been reconstructed to a 1:1 scale, measuring 13.5m in length and weighing nearly 20 tons.
The image of the boat not only helps to recreate history but also evokes pride in the creativity and resourcefulness of our army and people during the war. It also symbolizes the "First victory on the Gianh River on August 2nd and 5th, 1964, of the Vietnam People's Navy."
Returning to Gianh 2 Ferry Terminal after more than half a century, veteran Duong Ngoc Son (67th Regiment, 559th Brigade) could not hide his emotion as memories of the bombing days flooded back. His voice softened as he recounted an incident where he had just managed to meet the commander of the artillery position on the banks of the Gianh River, when, just minutes later, the air raid sirens blared incessantly.
Duong Ngoc Son recounted: "The reconnaissance planes flew over first, then about 10 minutes later, groups of planes returned and dropped bombs. The bombs rained down directly on the ferry terminal, turning both vehicles and ferries into piles of rubble in the blink of an eye."
The air was thick with smoke and flames, the river was turbulent, and the deafening explosions drowned out all human voices. I managed to drive away in time to evacuate; if I had stayed, I would hardly have survived. Only later did I learn that many people on that ferry never returned.
The story told by the soldier from years ago not only evokes a moment of life and death, but also partly reveals the brutal ferocity of the "fire zone" at Gianh Ferry Terminal, where every crossing of the river was paid for with blood and sacrifice.
According to statistics, 114 brave people sacrificed their lives at the Gianh Ferry Terminal, a "hotbed of conflict." From 1965 to 1972, this area endured more than 2,000 bombing raids of varying sizes.
Sharing the same sentiment, veteran Duong Khac An (214th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment) said that the enemy concentrated their attacks with intense force to cut off the strategic supply line to the southern front.
Out at sea, the 7th Fleet shelled the area, while in the air, B52s dropped bombs, and aircraft constantly approached. Bombing and shelling occurred daily, hourly; it could be said that this was the most brutal battlefield.
Mr. Tran Dinh Son, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Bac Gianh Ward, said that Gianh ferry terminal is not only a place that suffered from bombs and bullets, but also a symbol of the indomitable spirit of perseverance.
The soldiers and civilians on both sides of the river braved the dangers to transport ammunition, provide medical assistance, and ensure uninterrupted transportation. Each ferry crossing was a victory, making a significant contribution to the overall success of the resistance war against the US.
At the Gianh Ferry Terminal National Special Monument, the exhibition space today still preserves many valuable documents and artifacts. Time-worn black-and-white photographs documenting the transportation of goods at the Lao Ngang-Gianh Port ferry terminal in 1972; images of the magnetic bomb disposal team on the Gianh River in 1968; and fragments of downed American aircraft... all are historical testaments.
In particular, the image of General Vo Nguyen Giap and Commander Dong Sy Nguyen visiting officers and soldiers at Gianh Bridge in March 1973 not only holds documentary value but also demonstrates the timely concern and encouragement of the leadership for the forces on the front lines. In addition, artifacts such as bomb fragments, canteens, shell casings, and daily necessities—each artifact and each photograph here—is like a slice of history, helping viewers visualize more clearly those arduous yet heroic years. Therefore, the exhibition space not only serves as a repository of information but also as a place to evoke emotions and foster patriotism.
Red address for revolutionary tradition education
Ms. Dinh Thi Ngoc Lan, Secretary of the Party Committee of Bac Gianh Ward (Quang Tri Province), affirmed that the renovation project of Gianh 2 Ferry Terminal, which commenced on January 19, 2026, was completed at a rapid pace in nearly 70 days with over 60 billion VND in socialized funding. This project holds immense cultural and historical significance, serving as a profound symbol of gratitude to the outstanding individuals who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.
At the same time, the project aims to effectively utilize the historical site in conjunction with the development of historical and cultural tourism, improve the efficiency of site management and protection, and thereby make a practical contribution to the sustainable socio -economic development of the locality.
In a spirit of gratitude and historical continuity, on the evening of April 18th, the artistic and political program "Epic on the River" was held at Ferry Terminal 2, within the Gianh Ferry Terminal National Special Monument.
The program, co-organized by Vietnam Television, was broadcast live on VTV1 and was attended by leaders of the Party and State, ministries, branches, armed forces, and a large number of people.
Through artistic performances combined with historical documents, the program will recreate the glorious victories at Gianh Ferry Terminal - Gianh Port, affirming the particularly important strategic role of this vital transportation route in the resistance war, while spreading a message of peace, gratitude, and the continuation of tradition.
Today, the Gianh Ferry Terminal National Special Monument not only boasts a new, spacious, and green appearance but has also become a "red address" in revolutionary tradition education. It is a place for the younger generation to learn about history and cultivate patriotism; and at the same time, a place for veterans to return and reminisce about the arduous but glorious years of fighting.
On the site of the former "battlefield," green trees are now stretching upwards; clusters of flowers are blooming brilliantly. This rebirth is a testament to the enduring vitality and unwavering will of the Vietnamese people, always overcoming suffering to move towards the future.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/ben-pha-gianh-dia-chi-do-tren-toa-do-lua-nam-xua-post1105631.vnp
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